Lotus Pond Scenic Area Introduction
The deep eastern symbolism of this scenic spot is found at Lotus Pond in Zuoying District. It is bordered by Guishan to the south and Banping Mountain to the north. During the Qing Dynasty, the pond was filled with lotus flowers, releasing a fragrant aroma each summer, and it became one of the "Eight Sights of Fengshan" known as "Pan Shui He Xiang.” The iconic building beside Lotus Pond, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, showcases the impact of Eastern religious culture and has been specially recommended by CNN, making it one of the most traditionally religious scenic areas in Kaohsiung City. There are more than 20 temples around Lotus Pond, with the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Beiji Xuantian Shangdi Temple, and Confucius Temple being the most famous. Among them, the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are particularly favored by international travelers, making them a must-visit attraction in Kaohsiung. In 2014, CNN featured the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas on its list of "10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung," highlighting their ability to help drive away misfortune. The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas were built in 1976, standing seven stories tall, allowing visitors to enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth. The interior walls of the dragon tower are adorned with colorful glazed pottery artworks that depict moral stories. The pagodas complement the nearby Nine-Curve Bridge, creating a beautiful view across the lake. Legend has it that to visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, visitors should enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth to ensure good fortune and ward off misfortune. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Lotus Pond. Adjacent to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions were constructed in 1953 and have stood for over sixty years. The pavilions, known as "Spring Pavilion" and "Autumn Pavilion," are named in honor of Confucius's work "Spring and Autumn." Each pavilion has four octagonal stories with green tiles and yellow walls, resembling a pagoda. The ancient reflection of the pavilions in the water and their connection to the Nine-Curve Bridge commemorate the martial saint Guan Gong, making it one of the most prominent pagodas in Taiwan, also known as the "Spring and Autumn Royal Pavilion." The Spring and Autumn Royal Pavilion features a dragon-shaped tunnel similar to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, allowing visitors to enter through the dragon mouth and traverse a tunnel adorned with vibrant paintings that narrate various religious stories in intricate detail. Many visitors come with sincere hearts to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship on the walls. At the front of the Spring and Autumn Pavilions stands a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon, with a legend stating that Guanyin Bodhisattva once appeared in the clouds riding a dragon, instructing devotees to build the statue between the Spring and Autumn Pavilions in her likeness, resulting in the current statue of Guanyin on a dragon. Wuli Pavilion derives its name from "Wuli Mist," referencing a poem by Li Shangyin, "Five Li Without Mist." In the world, those in a state of confusion are said to be in "Wuli Mist." The height of the "Wuli Pavilion" is roughly two stories, featuring overhanging eaves and yellow tiles, making it strikingly beautiful. In the early morning, when the dawn breaks and mist envelops Lotus Pond, Wuli Pavilion appears as if it is floating above the surface of the pond. When night falls, the long lanterns along the embankment emit a soft glow, resembling a fairytale realm. By ascending the stairs to the second floor of "Wuli Pavilion," one can overlook the entire Lotus Pond, showcasing an Eastern aesthetic and the beauty of Jiangnan-style gardens. ※The Confucius Temple in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City has been undergoing earthquake-resistant reinforcement and restoration work since March 10, 2025, and is expected to be completed by September 15, 2025. (The actual opening hours for visits will depend on announcements from the Kaohsiung City Zuoying Confucius Temple Facebook page.) The Confucius Temple near Lotus Pond is the largest in Taiwan, modeled after Northern Chinese palace architecture and inspired by the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong. The grand exterior includes the Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, East and West wings, Chongsheng Shrine, Lingxing Gate, Li Gate, Yilu Alley, Minglun Hall, Pan Gate, Wanren Palace Wall, Pan Pond, and arch bridges, creating a comprehensive structure. As early as 1684, the county magistrate Yang Fangsheng established the sacred temple, which underwent repairs during the Qianlong and Guangxu periods due to wind and rain damage, resulting in its present scale. Every year, a grand ceremony is held on September 28 to celebrate Teacher's Day. The Lotus Pond Children's Park is a well-known parent-child destination in Kaohsiung. Departing from the typical modular playground equipment, the park features diverse, locally-themed play structures, making it the first co-constructed park in Kaohsiung. The colorful Rainbow Hill includes elements such as sound tubes, pipe tunnels, and climbing walls, encouraging children to explore; they can train their coordination skills on rope climbing frames in the sandpit area. Recently, a 30-meter-long zip line was added, along with bird's nest swings and balance beams, creating a great place for families to enjoy and learn together. Enjoying the beauty of slow life by Lotus Pond, surrounded by pavilions, giant statues, and city walls, there is an abundance of "old city" atmosphere, with historic landmarks, traditional houses, and military dependents' villages exuding a rich lifestyle. Wandering through old streets and traditional markets allows for an exploration of the rich and exciting flavors of Zuoying! The scenery at Lotus Pond is breathtaking, and there are various water activities that thrill adventure seekers. The circular path around the pond not only satisfies the leisurely walkers who enjoy the serene views but also accommodates cyclists seeking a different rhythm. The Lotus Pond Water Ski Theme Park is Taiwan's first internationally standard cable skiing facility, having opened in 2014, attracting more than a million visitors and hosting international invitation competitions from various countries, which have been broadcast through media coverage, creating a new peak in tourism and bringing more awareness of the diverse Kaohsiung. PAMMA Coffee, located next to the Yuan Emperor Temple at Lotus Pond, merges environmental ecology with a bright, pure white architecture, offering light snacks and beverages while enjoying elegant lakeside views, making it a new tourist attraction for domestic and international visitors in the famous Lotus Pond scenic area. Mango Café Autumn (temporarily closed for renovations starting March 10, 2025, due to work at the Confucius Temple) proves that afternoon tea isn't limited to coffee shops or dessert stores. Enjoy a cup of coffee and afternoon tea at Mango Café Autumn, located within the Confucius Temple, featuring affordable and delicious coffee drinks paired with traditional pastries, allowing you to fully experience a unique Chinese-style coffee and afternoon tea atmosphere! Cheng Yi Zuoying Cici Temple, commonly referred to as Cheng Yi Cici Temple or Zuoying Cici Temple, is locally known as "Old..."
